This week, I used my baking skills to some good by baking batches of carrot banana bread for a very special group of people.
With Christmas joy in the air, my mum and I wanted to help out at a local orphanage close to where I live. They have quite a lot of children, some are very young but some are also quite old, and they live together in a home, like a big family.
Most of them were quite shy at first but after I presented to them with my baked goods and some of the toys I brought, they immediately took a liking to me.
There were so many things that went around my head as I played with them. I've never really had siblings before so at first, the notion of spending time with 15+ kids was quite overwhelming. I was pulled from one side of the room to the other every few minutes, as they wanted to show me different things and get me to see what they could do. After a while, I was just glad that they accepted me so quickly.
I helped a few older ones with English — and I realised I really want to be a teacher someday. They were model students (although some of them did wander off after a while) and that filled my heart with joy. There was a girl, who, in particular, asked me so many good questions and wanted me to read with her. If I had the time, I wanted to read all the books she wanted!
I can't imagine what it must be like to not be with my parents (and I don't mean any offence). I think they're a very bright and brave (braver than me!) young group of children who, I hope, will grow to live a happy life.
Honestly, looking back on this day, I don't think I've ever felt this happy in my life. The pure joy of seeing kids play together and with me, their enthusiasm for the things I do with them was more than enough to fuel me with the same enthusiasm.
What I really want to do is to visit as often as possible to give them baking lessons, read more books with them, and show that they're loved.
*though I took some photos, I don't think it would be wise to post them online due to privacy..!
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